Outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. is officially fighting to hang on to his major league career.
The outfielder, who rose to prominence with the Boston Red Sox, was released by the Kansas City Royals on Friday. The team had recently designated him for assignment and was unable to find a trade partner for him.
The following update comes from the Rotowire fantasy baseball portal:
The Royals waived Bradley on Friday.
ANALYSIS
Bradley was designated for assignment Monday and will now attempt to latch on with another organization -- likely on a minor-league contract. The 33-year-old outfielder holds just a .398 OPS this season through 113 plate appearances.
Always known as a streaky hitter, Bradley wasn't able to put it together this season in Kansas City, where he signed right before the season began.
He's a lifetime .225 hitter across parts of 11 years with the Red Sox, Brewers, Blue Jays and Royals. He was named an All-Star in 2016 and won a Gold Glove in 2018. He helped the Red Sox win the World Series in 2018 when he paired with Mookie Betts and Andrew Benintendi to make one of the best young outfields in the league.
He has 109 career home runs and 449 career RBIs.
It's unlikely that Bradley finds a starting role in anywhere in baseball, hence the idea above of the minor league pact. A rebuilding team likely won't give at-bats to a 33-year-old.
A contending team could take a look at him as a defensive upgrade late in games or as a pinch-runner.
We'll have to see what is next for JBJ.
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